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In American War of Independence 13 colonies of North America fought to break free from Britain. It took place between 1775 and 1783. The colonists were upset because Britain was taxing them. They had no say in the government. There were fights between Boston and the British, too. Some colonists wanted to move west into Native American lands, but Britain refused. In this article we will learn about the American war of independence.
Important Events:
- In April 1775, there was a big fight at Lexington and Concord. It started when Boston rebels attacked British soldiers. This is where the famous “shot heard round the world” happened.
- After that, Boston was surrounded by British soldiers. The leaders of the colonies met and made an army led by George Washington.
- At first, the Americans lost a lot of battles. But in 1776, they officially said they didn’t want to be part of Britain anymore.
- In 1777, things started to change. Washington surprised the British by crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Night. They won a battle in Trenton, New Jersey.
- But the big help came from France. They gave the Americans money and soldiers. With their help, the colonists finally won the war.
American War of Independence – Causes, Effects, Quiz PDF
The American War of Independence, happening from 1775 to 1783, was a time when the American colonies fought to be free from British rule. It was a big moment in history, showing the struggle for freedom and self-rule.
Causes of the American War of Independence:
Immigration from England:
- In 1620, people from England, called the Pilgrim Fathers, came to America for a fresh start.
- They came to practice their religion freely.
Defeat of France in the Seven Years’ War:
- Britain won against France in a big war from 1756 to 1763.
- This victory freed some American lands from French rule.
Mercantilism:
- The British put rules on American trade to benefit themselves, making life hard for American traders. This made the colonists very unhappy.
Boston Tea Party:
- On December 16, 1773, angry American colonists protested against British taxes by throwing tea into Boston Harbor.
- This event sparked the fire of revolution.
Key Events Leading to Independence:
First Continental Congress:
- In September 1774, twelve colonies gathered in Philadelphia to talk about their problems with British rules.
- They wanted to find a way to stand up to Britain.
Second Continental Congress:
- In May 1775, all thirteen colonies came together in Philadelphia.
- Everyone together chose George Washington to lead their army against the British.
Common Sense:
- A man named Thomas Paine wrote a little book called common sense.
- Itinspired many to fight for independence.
- The booked talked about why America should be free from Britain.
Declaration of Independence:
- On July 4, 1776, a big meeting approved a paper written by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.
- It said America did not want to be under British rule anymore.
Effects and Results:
Military Victories:
- America won some big battles, like when they defeated British General Charles Cornwallis in 1781.
- This victory turned the face of the war.
International Support:
- France, led by King Louis XVI, helped America a lot during the war.
- Their support was important for America’s victory.
Treaty of Paris (1783):
- Finally, in 1783, Britain agreed to recognize America as independent.
- This was the end of the war and the start of a new era for America.
Architect of Constitution:
- James Madison played a big role in making the rules for America’s government.
- He layed the foundation for the country’s future.
Influence of Enlightenment:
- Thinkers like John Locke inspired the revolution.
- He emphasized rights to the government, holding it accountable
- It shaped the principles of the newly formed nation.
Summary:
The American War of Independence took place from 1775 to 1783. The American colonies fought to break free from British rule. The war started because of disagreements over taxes. They also wanted to govern themselves. With help from other countries like France, America won. In 1783, America was declared independence.
Conclusion:
The American War of Independence is one of an important event in the history. America’s victory led to the birth of a new nation based on freedom and self-rule. It showed us that standing up for the right thing can make a big difference.
American War of Independence: Quiz
1. Who wrote “Common Sense” to inspire American independence?
a) Thomas Jefferson
b) Thomas Paine
c) Benjamin Franklin
d) George Washington
2. When was the Declaration of Independence approved?
a) July 4, 1776
b) December 16, 1773
c) May 10, 1775
d) September 5, 1774
3. Which French king helped America during the war?
a) Louis XIV
b) Louis XV
c) Louis XVI
d) Napoleon Bonaparte
4. Who was defeated at the Battle of Yorktown, a turning point in the war?
a) George Washington
b) Charles Cornwallis
c) Thomas Jefferson
d) Benjamin Franklin
5. Who wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” a book that influenced the American Civil War?
a) Harriet Tubman
b) Harriet Beecher Stowe
c) Sojourner Truth
d) Frederick Douglass
Answers:
- b) Thomas Paine
- a) July 4, 1776
- c) May 10, 1775
- b) Charles Cornwallis
- b) Harriet Beecher Stowe
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
What caused the American War of Independence?
The war was sparked by various issues, including British taxation without representation, economic policies favoring Britain over the colonies, and a desire for self-governance among the American colonists.
How did international support impact the outcome of the war?
Countries like France provided military and financial support to the American colonies, which played a crucial role in their victory. French assistance, particularly naval support and troops, helped weaken British forces and secure American independence.
What were the long-term effects of the American War of Independence?
The war established the United States as an independent nation, setting the stage for the development of democratic principles and institutions. It also inspired other independence movements around the world and laid the foundation for America’s growth as a global power.